Inspired by a true story, a fictional reimagining of a cat named Simon whose heroism and feline charisma won over the crew of a British warship just after World War II. Discovered in the Hong Kong docks in 1948 and smuggled onboard the H.M.S Amethyst by a British sailor who takes pity on the malnourished kitten, Simon quickly acclimates to his new water-borne home. The friendly feline soon established himself as the chief rat-catcher, while also winning the hearts of the entire crew. Then the Amethyst is ordered to sail up the Yangtze River to take over the guarding of the British Embassy, but the ship comes under fire from Communist guns. Tragedy strikes and many of the crew are killed and Simon is among those seriously wounded. Luckily, with the help of the ship’s doctor, the brave cat makes a full recovery and is soon spending time with the injured men, purring and keeping their spirits up. News of Simon’s heroics in dangerous wartime seas spreads and he becomes famous worldwide—but it is still a long journey back to England for both the crew and the plucky little cat known as “Able Seacat Simon”…

The abridged, junior edition of the story of Able Seacat Simon, beloved hero of the high seas. A must for Michael Morpurgo fans! When an orphaned kitten is discovered in the Hong Kong docks in 1948 by a British sailor, he has no idea of the journey that awaits him. Smuggled onto HMS Amethyst and named 'Simon' by his new friends, the little cat quickly gets used to life on the seas and appoints himself chief rat-catcher. When tragedy strikes, Seacat Simon keeps spirits up - but it's a long and dangerous journey back to England for the heroic kitten and his crewmates . . . Inspired by real events, this is the story of 'Able Seacat' Simon's adventures and heroics in dangerous wartime seas, as told by the cat himself!

Simon is discovered in the Hong Kong docks in 1948 and smuggled on board the HMS AMETHYST by a British sailor who takes pity on the malnourished kitten. The young cat quickly establishes himself as the chief rat-catcher in residence, while also winning the hearts of the entire crew. Then the AMETHYST is ordered to sail up the Yangtse, and tragedy strikes as it comes under fire from communist guns. Many of the crew are killed, and Simon is among those who are seriously wounded. With the help of the ship's doctor, the brave cat makes a full recovery and is soon spending time with the injured men in the sick bay, purring and keeping their spirits up. Soon, news of Simon's heroism spreads worldwide - but it is still a long journey back to England...

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ORDINARY ANIMAL. EVERY ONE HAS A HEROIC STORY TO TELL. Discover how . . . Able Seacat Simon rescued the crew of HMS Amethyst Bobby the Wonder Dog crossed a continent to find his family Galipolli Murphy carried 250 wounded soldiers to safety Pickles tracked down the stolen World Cup And the Tamworth Two managed to save their bacon Clare Balding's stories of daring, courageous, remarkable creatures who changed our world for the better: from the dog that inspired Lassie to the bear that fought the Nazis.

Fur-raising tales of real-life Rebel Cats! Discover secrets, stories and facts about history's most fascinating felines! An engaging collection about over 30 cats who are the heroes of their own stories, Rebel Cats introduces us to fur-raising facts and adventures from around the world and across the centuries.

A cat’s-eye view of maritime history: “Priceless historic photographs . . . deep and wide-ranging research . . . a ball of spellbinding and hilarious sea yarns.” —Richard J. King, author of Ahab’s Rolling Sea: A Natural History of “Moby-Dick” We remember the bold seafarers of yore—from Magellan to Shackleton—for their extraordinary exploits: new lands discovered, storms weathered, and battles won. But somehow history has neglected the stalwart, hardworking species who made it all possible . . . yes, the noble cat! In Seafurrers, able sea cat Bart sets the record straight at last. “Fear of water” aside, cats were indispensable at sea—both as pest controllers and as beloved mascots. Thirty–eight tales recount the adventures of Trim (who circumnavigated Australia), Tom (the sole feline survivor of the sinking of the USS Maine), celebrity cat Simon (a veteran of the Yangtze Incident), and other furry heroes. Filled with nautical trivia, rare photographs, and whimsical illustrations, this deft genealogy of human–feline friendship will stir your regard for the incomparable cat—whether on the couch or in the crow’s nest.